Visioncon, Springfield's own comic-con, is back

Don’t be surprised if you see aliens hobnobbing with anime characters, science fiction stars and zombie apocalypse survivors downtown this weekend.

Visioncon is returning to the Springfield Expo Center, promising three very full days of adventure.

A convention attendee gets makeup applied at Visioncon 2016.

A convention attendee gets makeup applied at Visioncon 2016.

Submitted photo

So, what is Visioncon? Marissa Pence, a member of the nonprofit’s marketing team, tries to sum it up: “Visioncon is southwest Missouri’s largest pop culture convention. We do everything from television and film fandoms, comics, tabletop games, video games — all of those things are represented — anime groups. Anything pop culture, it’s probably here. It’s three days of 24-hour programming that the entire family can enjoy.”

Organizers are billing this as Visioncon’s homecoming to Springfield, where it originated.

Dana Powell

Dana Powell

Submitted photo

Pence says given the theme, it was fitting to invite actress and Hillcrest High School graduate Dana Powell to be a guest. Powell has appeared in a number of television shows, perhaps most notably for her recurring role as Pameron "Pam" Tucker on ABC’s “Modern Family.”

Jewel Staite (Kaylee on "Firefly") will be at Visioncon in Springfield this weekend.

Jewel Staite (Kaylee on "Firefly") will be at Visioncon in Springfield this weekend.

Arthur Mola, Arthur Mola/Invision/AP

Other guests this year include actress Jewel Staite, from the TV series “Firefly,” among others, and voice actors George Lowe and Robbie Rist.

In addition to Q&A and photo op sessions with the guests, the festival will feature tabletop and video game tournaments, workshops, children’s activities and “vendors selling everything from armor to comic books,” Pence says.

Pence says the workshops cover a huge array of topics, including writing, illustrating and cosplay. Folks who go can get tips on living the part from professional cosplayers such as Lars Van Crafter, who Pence says is a dead ringer for Norman Reedus’ character Daryl on “The Walking Dead.”

Visioncon will include vendors, cosplay guests, a children’s area and a tabletop and electronic ...more

Visioncon will include vendors, cosplay guests, a children’s area and a tabletop and electronic gaming area.

Visioncon

The workshops are terrific for learning how to really embody a character, says Pence, who says she’s really into cosplay. “There will be plenty of cosplayers,” she says. “We aren’t at the professional level like our guests … but we all try really, really hard, so you will see a lot of great costumes on display.”

The event also will feature a Kira Kira Café, which is a Japanese maid cosplay restaurant, and casino-style games.

As in previous years, this weekend’s activities serve as a fundraiser for charity. All proceeds this year will go to The Kitchen, Inc. In previous years, the Visioncon team has raised money for Habitat for Humanity, Care to Learn, United Way and Boys & Girls Clubs.

Visioncon will feature three days of events the whole family can enjoy (plus after-parties for ...more

Visioncon will feature three days of events the whole family can enjoy (plus after-parties for adults).

Visioncon

Pence encourages everyone to get to the Expo Center to see what Visioncon is all about. She says there’s bound to be something to amuse everyone.

“If you’re bored at Visioncon, I don’t know if I can help you,” she says with a laugh.

• 5:30 p.m.: Guest Q&A with Dana Powell, Hillcrest High School grad and actress with a recurring role on the ABC TV series “Modern Family” and the film “Bridesmaids.”

SUNDAY

• 12:30 p.m.: Guest Q&A with Robbie Rist, actor first seen as Cousin Oliver on the TV classic “The Brady Bunch” as well as the voice actor on many shows, including that of Michelangelo in the original live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films